Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Inside the Martin Home

In what was probably a lovely article in the Women’s Section
of the local newspaper for Erwin,
Tennessee, in September, 1967, Mabel Martin’s prized collection of antiques became the focus of editorial attention.

With my grand-aunt posing as gracious hostess, teapot in
hand, in one of the two photographs accompanying the article, she provided
explanation of this favorite set. The “unusual tea set,” according to the
caption, “is reported to be nearly one hundred years old.”

Not too unusual a description for an antique, really—until you
get to the rest of the story: it “reportedly” also belonged to a German
princess.

Starting to edge into the realm of “yeah, sure,” the story
was saved from fairy tale classification by Mabel’s explanation. Apparently,
Mabel found the four piece silver service forty five years beforehand, at the
estate sale of a German-born princess living in New Jersey.

Frankly, if I were
a German-born princess, I would not have chosen to live in New Jersey.

Another photo in the newspaper article showed Mabel reaching over to a
clock placed on her mantel. Behind the clock was one of the “unusual and
handsome mirrors in the Martin home,” framed in an “elaborately carved cut
woodwork” created in France
“more than two centuries ago.” It featured “carved flying eagles” on each of
the top corners.

The clock itself—you were wondering if I had forgotten to
return to this?—was a “German Dresden china clock.” It was flanked, on its
place on the mantel, by a pair of “Italian brass antique candelabra.” Facing
that setting were the sofa—a hand-carved rosewood and velvet piece from the
eighteenth century—and matching chairs. Complementing these—in an eclectic
manner, I suppose—was a teakwood and marble Chinese table.

The list of cosmopolitan antiques continued throughout the Record article, and I’m sure they were
all quite noteworthy. What presented the greater value to me, however, was the
narrative that surrounded the list of those antiques. Explaining where Mabel (going
by “Jean” in the article, a variation on her middle name) had lived during her
long absence from Erwin, the article mentioned residence in New York “for many years.”

An added tidbit mentioned, “She served for several years as County Committeewoman
for the Republican Party.” While you may identify the South as land of the
Democrats, knowing the renegade history of this particular corner of east Tennessee helps show us
that this was not a casual mention. In her new residence back in Tennessee, Mabel was in good company with her
political heritage as well, and this was duly noted—not a throw-away line
inserted in the text at all.

With a litany of furnishings completing the composition—many
mirrors, tables, cabinets, china, pottery and even what-nots—the writer concluded
that these pieces, assembled over a thirty-five year span, were “very likely the
envy of many a connoisseur of antique collecting.”

And the clock? (I haven’t forgotten the Dresden china
clock.) What was more interesting to me than the description of these antiques
was the description of the people who owned them. The clock (if you were
wondering) was passed down to Mabel’s husband, Horace L. Martin, by his mother.

While I may never have the privilege of learning how Horace
Martin’s mother received that Dresden china clock, it might help to learn a
little about who the woman, herself, was—and, for that matter, who her son was,
too.

Ah, New Jersey...for New Yorkers in particular, the Garden State holds its own kind of reputation...

Wendy, I wish I could have showed you the article. There were so many other pieces described--well, actually, gushed over. If only those photos weren't so dim and blurry...I'm sure you would have enjoyed seeing them.

I wonder what became of all those prize pieces. I doubt Mabel's daughter ever got them. And it doesn't appear that Horace had any children from his first marriage. Probably Mabel's possessions ended up being distributed via "estate" sale, too.

Actually, if I had some time, I would try to see if I could figure out who's estate the clock might have come from. Not far from my parents house is a manor home called Point Breeze - interestingly enough the home of Napoleon's brother Joseph.

http://www.napoleon.org/en/reading_room/articles/files/stroud_joseph_us.asp All sorts of "cast aways and exiles"...

About Me

It is my contention that, after a lifetime, one of the greatest needs people have is to be remembered. They want to know: have I made a difference?
I write because I can't keep for myself the gifts others have entrusted to me. Through what I've already been given--though not forgetting those to whom I must pass this along--from family I receive my heritage; through family I leave a legacy. With family I weave a tapestry. These are my strands.